Ohio River Scenic Byway (IL-1)
Illinois Route 1 serves as the primary corridor of the 188-mile Ohio River Scenic Byway, one of 14 original National Scenic Byways designated in 1996. The southern section runs from the Cave-in-Rock free ferry on the Ohio River north through Hardin and Pope counties, winding through the Shawnee National Forest with limestone bluffs, dense hardwood canopy, and river views. Cave-in-Rock State Park — named for the 55-foot cave carved into riverside limestone — sits directly on the route. The byway connects four county regions across the southern tip of Illinois before turning northwest toward Harrisburg.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Schrodts Station
A quiet rural settlement near the Ohio River that marks the beginning of the scenic byway corridor.
Allendale
Small farming community offering a chance to stretch and take in the flat Illinois river bottomland landscape.
Marshall
The largest town along this stretch of IL-1, with fuel, food options, and services before the final leg north.
Paris
The northern endpoint of this route segment, a classic Illinois small city with a downtown square and amenities.
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Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
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